This paper deals with the issue of propaganda and its manipulative effect. The paper is divided into seven different but interrelated units. At the beginning of the paper the term propaganda is defined, the main purpose of propaganda is explained and its consequences on an individual/masses are highlighted. Through old and new examples the connection between propaganda and education is emphasized. Also the history of propaganda is described: starting with the use of coins of Roman emperors as a means of propaganda and ending with the 21st century when the modern technological tools are being used. A special part is dedicated to the subject of war propaganda, its effects and importance for the people. Various types of war propaganda are described, examples of propaganda in the First World War are listed, the use of various techniques of war propaganda with a special emphasis on the application of so called atrocity propaganda used in conflicts between the warring countries is also mentioned. Also, objectives and examples of the Third Reich's propaganda are presented together with its importance and consequences for today's era. In addition, the importance of using all resources through application of radio and film as a means of propaganda is emphasized. Attention is also given to the equivalent of the Third Reich in modern times, i.e. North Korea. Both the use of propaganda material and the objectives and ways which North Korea uses to control the thoughts of its people is illustrated. Finally, we have given examples of the worldwide use of propaganda throughout history. We have also given a review on techniques of the use of propaganda in the communist China and the Soviet Union and explained the importance and the power of the use of monuments and photography as a means of propaganda. In that context, the role and negative impacts which the media can have on an individual / masses are evaluated - through presenting information in the way they want, hiding and selecting information and using censorship - in a manipulative way with their propaganda messages.